Downtown Plattsburgh has recently welcomed Kay’z Boba, the area’s first dedicated bubble tea cafe. The cafe offers a wide variety of tea, coffee, and boba options, bringing something new to the community.
A Journey Across America
The founders of Kay’z Boba, Kayler Grizzle, 21, and Zachary Bushey, 22, began their journey in February 2023 with a road trip across the United States. Their adventure took them through 20 national parks and 10 states, where they spent at least a week in almost every state. During their travels, they visited numerous coffee and boba shops, gathering inspiration for their own future venture.
“We were inspired by an herb store in Oregon for our charity wall,” Bushey said, reflecting on their journey.
The Birth of Kay’z Boba
After returning home in April 2024, Grizzle and Bushey decided to put down roots and embark on their next chapter. Originally planning to buy and renovate a house, they found the quotes too expensive and shifted their focus to opening a bubble tea cafe.
Finding the Perfect Location
Securing the right location was a challenge. Grizzle shared that they initially faced rejection due to their age. They had a lease lined up for a different space but found a better location closer to foot traffic in Downtown Plattsburgh.
“This place is perfect,” Grizzle said. “My mom and her mom worked at a coffee shop here 15 years ago, and the coffee wall used for our charity wall was from that shop.”
Despite the challenges, including difficulty in obtaining financial assistance, Grizzle and Bushey funded the renovation of their space out of pocket. They officially opened Kay’z Boba at 19 Clinton St. during the Clinton Street Block Party in July. The grand opening was a success, with a line stretching out the door for nearly seven hours.
What is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea, also known as “boba,” is a customizable, tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan. It can be served with or without milk, and the dark-colored pearls at the bottom of the drink, called “toppings,” are usually made of tapioca. These pearls often contain special flavors and “pop” in the mouth, offering a burst of taste.
Kay’z Boba offers an extensive menu, which is available online. The team frequently adds new flavors based on customer suggestions, and all items on the menu can be made decaffeinated.
A College Project Realized
Grizzle’s journey to opening Kay’z Boba began during her time at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she completed a business plan as part of an entrepreneurial class project. She graduated from Clinton Community College with an associate’s degree in Business Administration in May 2022, followed by a bachelor’s in both Business Administration and Marketing from SUNY Plattsburgh in December 2022.
“In one of my business classes, we had a project to plan a coffee shop,” Grizzle said. “I had a whole plan in motion, with a supplier and everything; I just needed a location.”
Bushey, who attended SUNY Plattsburgh for a year and a half, dropped out to focus on his social media marketing agency, Qvir. He was eager to take on a more hands-on project, leading to the decision to open Kay’z Boba.
“We thought, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ We’re young, just getting started with life. If we fail, it won’t be the end,” Bushey said.
Community Involvement and Giving Back
Grizzle and Bushey are committed to giving back to the community through events, charity donations, and more. Inspired by an open mic night they attended in Salt Lake City, they plan to host regular events at Kay’z Boba.
“We want Friday and Saturday to be big event days,” Bushey said. “We also want to be super involved with the college and business communities.”
Their first big event, a Mario Kart Tournament, was held in collaboration with Level Up Electronics on August 10. Approximately 20 to 30 people attended, with eight competing in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Kay’z Boba will host a Back to School Bash during the Lake City Arts Festival, featuring games, a bubble machine, and a sidewalk art competition.
“We want to make it as fun as possible,” they said, highlighting their commitment to creating an enjoyable and engaging space for the community.
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